Defence Secretary opens new SLAMC Regimental Officers’ Mess
November 09, 2022Defence Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne declared open the newly constructed Regimental Officers’ Mess of the Sri Lanka Army Medical Corps (SLAMC) situated in Werahera, today (Nov 09).
Officiating Director General of the Sri Lanka Army Health Services and Colonel Commandant of the SLAMC Brig. Chrisantha Fernando warmly received the Defence Secretary Gen. Gunaratne on his arrival at the venue and accompanied him to inspect the new facility.
Ensuing the ceremonial opening of the plaque at the invitation of the Colonel Commandant Brig. Fernando at the entrance of this fully-fledged new facility embedded with modern amenities, Gen. Gunaratne made an inspection visit of the new facility.
SLAMC annals reveal that this facility standing majestically today is a result of the visionary measures originated by former Colonel Commandants Maj. Gen. SH Munasinghe and Maj. Gen. Milinda Peiris, who is the incumbent Vice Chancellor (VC) of the Kotelawala Defence University (KDU).
Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Shavendra Silva, Army Commander Lt. Gen. Vikum Liyanage KDU-VC Maj. Gen. Peiris and former Colonel Commandants were also present among the distinguished invitees.
According to the SLAMC, its inception dates back to July 29, 1881 when ‘Stretcher Bearer Company’ (Medical) was formed as a part of the Ceylon Light Infantry (Volunteers). This was an independent battalion in 1911 renowned as the Ceylon Medical Corps (Volunteer), then.
In the 1950s, first Battalion of Ceylon Army Medical Corps was transformed to a regular force in the Ceylon Army and later it was renamed as Sri Lanka Army Medical Corps (SLAMC) in 1972 when Sri Lanka became a republic. Presently, SLAMC comprises four regular units and a volunteer unit.
Culminating the programme, Brig. Fernando presented a memento to the Defence Secretary to mark the event.
Medical Practitioners of Tri Forces, Defence Ministry officials, senior Army officers including the Centre Commandant Brig. TM Hettiarachchi and other invitees were present at the ceremony.
